The Castlegar Knit and Crochet Guild

2009-05-16T08:37:00.001-07:00

Meetings of the group are cancelled indefinitely. Thank you to all those who came out and shared with the group!

Highly recommended: the drop-in nights at Jean's Material Things, Castlegar's LYS (local yarn shop).

Meeting night Wednesday March 11 at Jean's Material Things

2009-03-08T08:46:00.001-07:00

Please join us for coffee and company at Jean's Material Things in Castlegar, 7pm-9:30pm Wednesday, March 11.
Jean has agreed to allow our group to meet at her shop. She also holds drop-in nights for knitters Tues-Wed-Thurs evenings.

Show and Tell photo; next meetings

2009-01-26T20:09:00.000-08:00

Show and Tell is one of the highlights of meetings at the Knit & Crochet Club.

This is one of several Christmas trees decorated by member Sandra L. with miniature hand-knit sweaters, socks, and toques. The little sweaters are quite detailed with cables and colourwork. There was also a sock-in-progress, complete with tiny double pointed needles. She brought it for show-and-tell to the Jan. 14th meeting at Bagels & Brew.

Thanks very much to the staff at Bagels & Brew for the great service.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Castlegar Library.

Following that, there will be a meeting Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Bagels & Brew, 6:30 pm.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2008-12-12T18:47:00.001-08:00

There will be no meeting on Dec. 30th.

Have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy the snow!

Next meeting: January 14th, 2009 at 6:30 at Bagels & Brew in Castlegar. See you there.

Some of Gwen's recent projects

2008-11-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my more recent completed projects. Members, please contribute your own photos - email them to me at gfvernham@gmail.com.

This one I call the Starburst doily, cannot remember where the pattern came from - probably from one of those Leisure Arts leaflets Zellers sells.

Hexagonal Crocheted Lace Tablecloth, 39" diameter point to point. It is made of many individual motifs that I crocheted and put together during the long bus rides to and from work at Syncrude in Fort McMurray.

"Delightful Nosegay" doily, which I gave as a hostess gift to a friend in Fort McMurray. The pattern is from the now out-of-print magazine "Crochet Fantasy". The Japanese designers always had the best patterns! I collect issues of this magazine, and also of Decorative Crochet. I also collect vintage crochet and knitted lace patterns.

A pair of socks I made for my sister. The pattern is from one of my many Regia pattern books. The cuffs are ribbed with baby cables.

My daughter at about 11 months old, wearing a knit hooded poncho I made for her. This is an older Pingouin pattern.

Front view of the "Devan" cardigan I made for my daughter Amelia from sock yarn. You can find this pattern at Knitty.com.

Back view of the Devan cardigan, with intarsia balloon. This sweater is now having a second life with my new nephew Jacob. Sock yarn (Regia 75% wool, 25% nylon) lasts forever!

Rumours, countdown to Christmas...

2008-11-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Knitters, Crocheters, and fibre-lovers,

It's already November 2nd, so get those needles and hooks moving if you want to be in time for Christmas!

The rumour is...
Jean's Material Things in Castlegar will now be stocking a selection of quality yarns. Check it out and support our LYS (local yarn shop).

The Castlegar Knit and Crochet Guild had a display on the Arts and Culture table during the Open House at the Castlegar Rec Centre, Oct. 29th.

My latest project is a knitted skirt for my daughter, made from a lovely hand-dyed (fall colourway) merino wool sock yarn by Lorna's Laces. It is my own design, with a ribbed waistband, stockinette main body, and it will have a lace edge.

The next project will be a crocheted lace dress for myself. The pattern is by Lily Chin and can be found in the Interweave Crochet pattern library. Check it out at this link: http://shop.interweave.com/Lace-Dress-Crochet-P868C30.aspx
I think I will substitute a black, glittery fine wool for the cotton called for in the pattern, because cotton has no "memory" and tends to look shapeless so quickly. Or, maybe one of the new cotton + elastic yarns available now.

What are you working on?

November meetings:
See the new Calendar gadget on our web page, to the right, for event listings. (bear with me - there seem to be some technical problems with it.)
The "Second Wednesday" Meeting will be held Nov. 12 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Bagels n' Brew in Castlegar. (The location will now be a Rotating Location - meetings used to be held at Arby's).

The "Last Tuesday" meeting will be Nov. 25 at the Castlegar Public Library, 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

Respectfully,

Gwen Vernham

Save the dates: Nov. 7-8, 2008

2008-09-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

I've just received a brochure in the mail for the 2nd annual BC's Creative Expo, to be held Nov. 7-8, 2008 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (Canada Place).

The Expo will be showcasing Scrapbooking, Quilting, Sewing, Knitting, Needlework, Fibre Arts, Beading, and Crafting.

There will be exhibits, hands on classes, educational seminars, free stage shows, contests, and door prizes.

Special rates for out-of-town visitors will be available at the Days Inn on Pender Street.

Visit the website for more information: www.bcscreativeexpo.com

Email Gwen if you are interested in a group field trip to this event.

WELCOME BACK!!!

2008-09-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it's September, and autumn is in the air. If you're like me, you can't wait to begin those scrumptious new knitting projects!

Please join us for the September Welcome-Back Meeting at the Castlegar Public Library on Tuesday September 30th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

Bring a friend or two or more, bring items for show-and-tell, and bring your summer vacation stories.

I was at the Hills Garlic Festival this afternoon and there was so much amazing stuff to see, hear, touch, feel, and taste! Wow! The West Kootenay region is truly the best place on earth to live.

Questions?
Gwen 250-304-2625

break for summer, re-convene in September

2008-07-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

Hi Ladies,

I will not be able to attend the July and August meetings. See you in September! If you like please feel free to keep meeting. Interest was low last summer, so we could also call a formal summer break and re-convene in the fall.

All the best, enjoy the summer,

Gwen

The Successful Knitters in the Highlands of Bolivia

2008-05-29T21:35:00.001-07:00

This month's issue of Cast On, a magazine published by the Knitting Guild Association, has a fascinating article about a women's knitting co-operative called Artesanias Minkha. "Minkha" means women working together in the Quechuan language. They have a website, check it out.

www.minkhasweaters.com

more knitting events

2008-05-28T21:55:00.001-07:00

More knitting-related events this year:

Gibson's Landing Fibre Arts Festival, August 20-24, Gibson's Landing, BC

http://www.gibsonslandingfibrearts.com/welcome.html

BC's Creative Expo, Vancouver, BC, November 7-8, 2008

http://www.bcscreativeexpo.com/index.html

If anyone knows of other events worth checking out, please let us know!

Knit and Crochet Show, September 2008

2008-05-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

Latest TKGA / CGOA news:

Check out the Knit & Crochet Show at www.KnitandCrochetShow.com , a conference that will be held this fall in Portland, Oregon September 11-14. There will be many interesting classes and lots to see. Well-known, published designers such as Melissa Leapman, Lily Chin, Annie Modesitt, and others will be conducting workshops. Topics include: cable knitting, designing larger sizes, lace crochet, entrelac techniques, advanced finishing techniques, various felting techniques, as well as several ethnic styles of knitting and MANY more. And there will be shopping!

Anyone interested in going as a group, please let me know. Room rates at the convention hotel (Doubletree Hotel Portland - Lloyd Center) are $120+tax for single/double rooms and $130+tax for Premium rooms. Each additional person is $15.

I have received a full program and schedule of events in the mail for anyone who wants to see it.

By the way, TKGA is The Knitting Guild Association, www.tkga.com, and CGOA is the Crochet Guild of America.

All the best,

Gwen

Re: Upcoming Events in May

2008-04-30T09:09:00.001-07:00

Hey Gwen!!!!
Good for you!!! Good luck in the marathon, I know you will do great!!!
Arlee

Upcoming Events in May

2008-04-29T21:38:00.001-07:00

Tonight's meeting at the library was small but lively. Thanks ladies for coming out!

Wow, Donna brought her latest finished sweater. Absolutely beautiful.

Arlee will be a grandma (again), soon! Congratulations.

Next events will be:

Saturday May 10th, 7-9 PM: Wine & Cheese / Tea Social at Gwen's house (2095 Pass Creek Road, 304-2625)

Wednesday May 14th: Meeting at Arby's restaurant, 6:30-8:00 PM

Tuesday May 27th: Meeting at the library, 6:30-8:00 PM

Other news:

I have created an online group on Facebook for our guild named, of course, the Castlegar Knit and Crochet Guild.

Willow sent a link to this event to our Facebook group: WorldWide Knit in Public Day, June 14

http://www.wwkipday.com/

Any takers? We should do something here in Castlegar.

And also to her site on Etsy: http://woolbywillow.etsy.com

She does needle felting, among other things! Our members are multi-talented.

Wish me luck: this weekend I am running a half-marathon in Vancouver. Next time you see me I may not be walking very fast!

All the best,

Gwen

Meeting night Tuesday, March 25 at the library

2008-03-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

Please join us Tuesday evening, March 25 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Castlegar Public Library.

Bring a friend, bring your work-in-progress, and something for show and tell if you have it!

Check out the photo of Karen's completed tatted placemat on our website. If anyone has photos of their completed projects, please submit them and I'll post them.

For those of you on Facebook, I have created a group there.

All the best,

Gwen

304-2625

Karen's tatted placemats are finished!

2008-02-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Karen! Her patience is amazing. She made FOUR of these placemats. Now that is dedication.

Next Meeting Jan. 29th at the Library

2008-01-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

Please join us at the Castlegar Public Library January 29th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

Bring a project and any new show-and-tell items!

Jan. 9th meeting

2008-01-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

The first meeting of 2008 saw Barbara Archibald, Inga and Sandra Lamont, and Jinny and Lei from Asia enjoying a lively discussion about the addictive qualities of knitting. Jinny and Lei are from Korea and Macau, and have just learned how to knit. During the Christmas vacation they spent many hours sitting by the warm fire knitting scarves and hats. In fact, Inga had to tell Jinny on New Year’s Eve to put her knitting down so that we could celebrate!!! These two young women have gone from garter stitch to stockinette stitch to making cables. They have learned how to knit on two needles, circular needles, and now, finally, four needles. Their English has improved dramatically as they have mastered reading abbreviations such as k2 tog, use a cn, and SK2P. Jinny wants to knit 7 hats, one for each day of the week, and Lei is currently working on a cabled vest with a hood. It is truly amazing how knitting can take on a life of its own! Gramma Inga is supporting their knitting addiction by providing beautiful yarns and encouragement to try new techniques. Jinny and Lei are considering offering a workshop at Selkirk College for International Students on the Joys of Knitting. Way to go Girls!

Barbara has been knitting socks for her adult girls. At one point during December she had to physically put her knitting away as she had sewing and quilting gifts to finish and mail away. I have been working on a mohair shawl, a pattern shared by Donna. It is taking me over 20 minutes to complete each row. I am on row 107 with only 14 more rows to go.

Inga worked on adding the labels from “Threads of Love” to the preemie booties and hats that Jean Hitchens and friends have been creating. She also invited us to her house to share a lemon sauce cake.

Thanks to the staff of Arby’s for allowing us to fill the restaurant with our laughter. We appreciate the opportunity to get together and knit.

Submitted by:

Sandra Lamont

Next Meeting January 9, 2008

2007-12-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

At Arby's in Castlegar, 6:30 pm. See you there!

The "last tuesday" meeting for December is cancelled because it falls on Christmas day.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

God Bless.

Next meeting Wednesday, Dec. 12th at Arby's in Castlegar

2007-12-09T11:25:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! Please join us at Arby's Wednesday Dec. 12th, 6:30 pm.

Bring your last-minute Christmas gift projects and your questions! If anyone is a finishing expert, I'm sure a number of us could use your help.

All the best,
Gwen
304-2625

Meeting notes from Nov. 27th

2007-12-09T11:08:00.001-08:00

The snow and slick streets did not keep 5 women and one teenager away from the November monthly meeting held at the Castlegar Public Library. It was evident from the beginning of the meeting that the focus spontaneously was "helping each other". Donna was starting a "Kootenay Jane" hat worked from the top down. After several false starts, she enlisted the help of Sandra to get all four needles in the right spot for the first two rows. The pattern is definitely one that only an octopus would find easy to begin! Together the two ladies were able to get it started. Mona and her daughter came in with a request for help in repairing a novelty scarf that had been damaged and was unraveling. The scarf was cut off, ripped back, stitches picked up, and finally repaired. She also asked for help in reading and demonstrating how to increase in a filet crochet window panel that she had started many years ago and forgot how to do. Karen had done this type of work, so was able to assist Mona in deciphering the pattern. Next month, we encouraged Mona's daughter to bring along her spool knitting. Lastly, a very skilled lady whose name we cannot remember (very sorry!) taught Karen how to cast on using the long tail method around two needles. She was also able to show Karen a simple way to purl. Karen was thrilled to finally be able to purl properly. As usual, the time passed quickly, and soon Vera was there to tell us the Library was closing.

Toe-up socks, benefits of knitting...

2007-12-02T10:56:00.001-08:00

Here is a link to a pattern for Toe-up socks. This technique is worth a try. I have made several pair, (following a different pattern, which I couldn't find online anymore). http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTwiddershins.html

Plus, an article on different ways to start the toe with toe-up socks.

http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter02/FEATtiptoptoes.html

From Sandra, an article she found about the benefits of knitting for chronic pain sufferers, and knitting in the news:

A Stitch In Time Saves Pain
I read about a pain management clinic in a UK hospital called Stitch, Links and Chatter.

The group, which meets twice a month, was set up by nurse practitioner Carol Davidson. She said: "There is substantial anecdotal evidence that the repetitive nature of knitting and the distraction it provides, allows people to be less aware of their pain. It's also a valuable social interaction for our patients, many of whom are isolated because of the chronic nature of their conditions."

Pain unit psychologist Mike Osborn said: "The knitting group is a superb example of an activity that works for loads of different reasons. It's physical, productive, social, almost meditative and helps people to engage in meaningful activity. Chronic pain can take the meaning out of your life and if you can retrieve some of it through knitting, or anything like it, that's a great idea."

Knit-Spotting on New TV Hit
If you happened to catch the second episode of the new ABC television show, Pushing Daisies, you were treated to a hilarious occasion for knit-spotting. Private investigator, Emerson Cod (played by Chi McBride) sported some mighty interesting knit work. In one scene he wore knitted gun holsters (he called them "gun cozies"). In another scene we see him stashing money in knitted socks (a drawer full of "money bags"). He also saved the day when he used his knitting needle to break all three main characters out of body bags. Edith Eig was the behind the scenes talent who custom designed knits for the show and taught Chi the art of knitting. She is the owner of La Knitterie Parisienne, a yarn emporium in Studio City, Calif.

Meeting notes: Nov. 14th

2007-11-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

Tonight's meeting at Arby's was a delight. Donna popped in to say hello, and show off the adorable baby booties she made from merino wool. Sandra brought a gorgeous scarf she just finished, and also the two exchange students who stay with her, Lee and Jinny. Jean was starting a sock, and Inga was turning the heel in another sock. Jen made it to the meeting after missing many, and she brought a baby blanket in progress, and a 2008 knitting calendar.

The buzz: There is a new knitting shop in Nelson above BCAA, definitely worth checking out.

Jean makes items for Threads of Love, a charity organization that provides knitted clothing for preemies. Check it out: http://www.threadsoflove.org/

Library meeting Nov. 27th

2007-11-12T15:36:00.001-08:00

Our next meeting at the library (the Last Tuesday) will be on November 27th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

Arby's Wednesday, Nov. 14th

2007-11-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

You are all invited to the next gathering at Arby's in Castlegar, Wednesday, Nov. 14th. 6:30-8:00 pm. Arby's has kindly made a reservation for our group. The address is 595 18th St. Bring your latest project, show-and-tell, and bring a friend too!

Yesterday was Remembrance Day. Check out the wartime-era patterns at the Red Cross website.
http://www.redcross.org/museum/exhibits/knits.asp

The Knit and Crochet Guild welcomes crafters of all skill levels and ages. Please join us!

Next meeting Tuesday, October 30th

2007-10-30T12:04:00.001-07:00

Hope to see you tonight, Oct. 30th from 6:30-8:00pm at the Castlegar Public Library.

Sandra and I have a proposal for the "other" monthly meeting - Arby's has offered to reserve a section for us. The last meeting at Inga's house went very well, also! See the previous post contributed by Sandra. Some interested people have inquired about meeting on a different night, not Tuesday, so the "other" monthly meeting could be on Wednesdays or ?? Up to the members.

Notes from the last meeting...

2007-10-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

On a dark and rainy Tuesday evening in early October, 5 women with a keen interest in knitting meet at the home of Inga Lamont. By the warmth of a birch wood fire, the ladies knit, talked, and shared their interest in knitting and traditional crafts. Barbara was quilting on her brightly coloured “drunker’s path quilt she is making for her brother-in-law. Inga was knitting socks for her granddaughter’s birthday. Jean was continuing to knit for her “Threads of Love” project: knitting booties and caps for premature babies. Sandra had socks on the go. All four ladies were treated to a very impressive show and tell by Donna which included: her very first knitting project of a mohair shawl, men’s slippers which will be felted, ladies felted slippers, a felted black hat, and more. We were inspired to knit and felt slippers and enjoyed Donna’s humorous telling of the story behind each project.

Thank you Sandra for contributing this post!

Invitation

2007-09-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

Please join us Tuesday, October 2nd at 7pm for a friendly get-together at Inga's house. The address is 102 18th Street, Castlegar (below Dairy Queen). Tel. 365-7500.

The group will still be meeting the last Tuesday of every month at the library, with an additional meeting every month at another location for anyone who can attend. (Feedback from group members is requested.) Next library meeting October 30th.

Marian has provided a link to a newsletter from Bernat with new yarns and patterns. Check it out: http://www.bernat.com:80/newsletters/sep2007web.html

Pass it on!

September 25th meeting notes

2007-09-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Fall has brought the knitters & crocheters out of hiding! We had an excellent turnout tonight of enthusiastic crafters. There is talk of meeting more often...more on that later.

Some of the projects spotted tonight included a felted bag, socks of many glorious colours, the last sleeve of a sweater, and a crochet-on-the-double reversible afghan.

Upcoming: pattern swap. Check back for details...

Next Meeting: July 31

2007-05-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Our next meeting will be July 31, 6:30-8:00 pm at the library.

A recent news-making item in the crochet world:
Polish grannies sell hand-crocheted lace lingerie, and it's a big hit.
http://www.koniakow.com/index_en.php

About the Guild

2007-04-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Knit and Crochet Guild meets the last Tuesday of every month at the Castlegar Public Library, downstairs. Time is 6:30-8:00 pm.

All ages and skill levels welcome, new members welcome. Attendance is free of charge (future special events or teaching workshops may have a fee to cover costs but those will be clearly posted).

Guild Activities:

a place for knitters and crochet lovers to socialize and share their skills & ideas
a place to get help from other knitters if you need it
a pattern-sharing network
stitch & technique workshops
basic knit and crochet skill workshops for beginners
charitable knitting efforts if members are interested
perhaps hold guild shows of our work, eventually (like the local weaver's guild)
field trips to see spinning & dying operations
whatever the members want it to be

For more information, please contact Gwen Vernham at 250-304-2625 or vernham@shaw.ca

Inaugural Meeting April 24th 2007: a success!

2007-04-25T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Guild met for the first time April 24, 2007, at the Castlegar Public Library. Thanks to all the ladies who came out! We have a very creative, talented group.

Next meeting: Tuesday, May 29th, 6:30-8:00 pm at the Library. New members welcome.